Six-Month Quality of Life and Health Outcomes After Bariatric Surgery: A Prospective Cohort Study from Latvia

Background and Objectives: Obesity is a major public health concern associated with reduced quality of life (QoL) and multiple comorbidities. Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for severe obesity; however, postoperative QoL outcomes in Latvia remain insufficiently studied. This prospective study evaluated short-term changes in QoL, weight loss, and selected health parameters six months after bariatric surgery. Materials and Methods: Data were collected from 17 adults who underwent bariatric surgery at a single centre in Riga, Latvia. QoL was assessed preoperatively and six months postoperatively using the validated Bariatric Quality of Life (BQL) questionnaire. Anthropometric measurements, self-reported comorbidities, and medication use were obtained at both time points. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric methods (p < 0.05). Results: Participants had a median age of 54 years, and 76% were female. Six months after surgery, significant reductions were observed in BMI (39.7 to 31.6 kg/m²; p < 0.0001), total weight (-23.3%), and excess weight (-60.7%). The total BQL score increased from 44.5 to 52.0 points (p = 0.004), indicating improved QoL. Self-reported hypertension and sleep apnoea decreased, and all individuals with preoperative reflux symptoms reported resolution. Waist circumference declined but often remained above metabolic risk thresholds. Hair loss was the most frequently reported postoperative adverse effect. Conclusions: Bariatric surgery was associated with short-term improvements in QoL, weight loss, and several obesity-related symptoms. Hair loss was common but expected. Given the small sample size and single-centre design, findings should be interpreted as exploratory. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to better characterize long-term outcomes and support the development of bariatric care in Latvia.